Act to limit election money from PACS

The president has been inaugurated. The 113th U.S. Congress has been sworn in. In Springfield, the 98th Illinois General Assembly is now in session.

It’s good that the 2012 election, the most expensive in history, is finally behind us.

Unfortunately, with the gubernatorial election coming up next year, big donors are already gearing up for the race. Unless major steps are taken, elections dominated by super political action committees – like the 2012 election – just might be the new reality because of the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision that allows unlimited outside spending in elections.

The permanent solution is to overturn that decision with a constitutional amendment. The Illinois Legislature can do its part by passing a resolution calling on our congressional delegation to send such an amendment to the states.

Twelve municipalities across Illinois – from Chicago to Carbondale to Kane County – have already formally called on the Legislature to do this. And if the resolution passes, Illinois would be the 12th state to oppose the Citizens United decision.

If we don't want to live in a country where our democracy is increasingly hijacked by wealthy and powerful donors, it’s time to take action.

Note to readers – Anu Dathan is a program associate with Illinois Public Interest Research Group.